Black

Chapter 13

Once I got home I jumped in the shower. When I got out I noticed a dark bruise on my neck and realized that it was a hickey. I wasn't mad, instead I was happy. It was like a mark of possession. I was going to have to hide it from my mom otherwise she would kill me. But most of all Kinly. Shit. Still thinking about my situation I walk to my room with my hair wrapped up in a towel and hanging over my neck so if my mom were to come by she wouldn't see it. I change into a pair of leggings and a tank top. It was now five in the afternoon. I was in need of some girl time. I shoot Kinly a text.
    Laura- What are you up to?
Minutes later she responds.
    Kinly- Nothing, you?
    Laura- I'm bored. Want to talk.
    Kinly- Sure, text only kind of busy.
    Laura- What has you all tied up?
    Kinly- Well that's what I've been meaning to tell you. At the moment I'm packing for the spanish club field trip. I'm going to be in Cozumel for three weeks.
I didn't know how to respond. Why hadn't she told me about the trip earlier. I had known about it since I was also in the club. The two of us had agreed not to go because we're too busy.
     Kinly- Want to come over and help?
     Laura- Sure.

     I was leaving the house once again. I honestly didn't want to help pack, but it was too late now. Kinly's house was about ten minutes away, but the drive didn't feel too long. I pull into the driveway and walk up the the red front door. I never knocked. I was considered family in this household. The front door placed you into the kitchen and there Kinly's mother stood reading a cookbook. She glances up then continues to read.
     "Hello Laura, how've you been?"
     "Good. How about you?" Kinly comes jogging down the steps and grabs my arm pulling me up to her room.
     "Rude much? I was talking to your mother."
     "I need you more than she does right now." I gave her an annoyed glare.
     "So, I have the first and half of the second week planned. The weather is supposed to be warm. I packed mainly tanks and tube tops." I always became envious of Kinly. I could never pull off a tube top.
    "What's on your neck? Oh my God! You have a hickey! Spill the details now." I gulped down and formed a lie.
    "It's nothing my aunt's son was giving me a kiss then it turned into that. It's very tender."
    "Your aunt's son got you good. It looks like the hickey's Brody would give me." Anger began to boil under my skin. More jealousy.
    "Let's not talk about him and pack instead."
    "Right packing, so what else should I bring?"

     It was eight o'clock by the time I got home after helping Kinly pack. My energy was drained. Once I reached my bed I was out. The ringing of my phone woke me from my slumber. I reached for my phone that was on the nightstand. It read Brody's name.
  "Hello?"
  "Did you forget that it was monday today, darling?"
  "Don't call me that. What time is it?"
  "Twelve. It's lunchtime. I planned to help you with your books, but you weren't in any of your classes. So now I'm heading to work. Would you like me to bring you lunch?"
  "No I'll find something around the house."
  "Are you going to school for the rest of the day?" The rest of my classes I was ahead in.
  "I think I deserve a day off."
  "I agree. I better get going. Bye babe. I mean Laura."
  "Bye Brody." I hung up the phone. I felt bad for making him stop calling me pet names. I didn't want our relationship to be like his old one. Were we even in a relationship? It dawned on we never really clarified what we were. I tried not to think about it. I wasn't going to waste the rest of my day laying around, so I decided to clean and organize my room. My room hadn't been a mess, just a few out of place items. I turn on my speaker and play my latest created playlist. It was titled Brody. It had all of the songs from the Pearl Jam concert and a few other songs that made me think of him.

   After cleaning up my room I went downstairs to find something to eat. Opening the refrigerator door I pulled out the salad mix and made a chef's salad. While I ate, I sent my Mom a text letting her know I hadn't gone to school today. It took a few minutes for her to respond.
    Laura- I over slept till noon and didn't go to school.
    Mom- You should of gone for the rest of the day. Are you not feeling well?
    Laura- No, I feel fine. I'm ahead in the rest of my classes.
    Mom- Well you know the rule if you skip three days you're being grounded. I'll take you to school. I'll pick you up and no after school activities.
   Laura- Okay.
I had known the consequence of skipping. Finishing my salad I went upstairs and looked through my bookshelf for a good book. I had so many books that I couldn't choose what to read, so I closed my eyes. Then grabbed a random book off the shelf. Opening my eyes revealed Pie. I hadn't read Pie since I was in the fourth grade. It's my favorite childhood book. It was perfect for right now. No romance or girl to girl friendship. I walked into the living room and snuggled up on the couch with a blanket.